The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise today to share my commitment to preserving the history and contributions of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in the First World War.

On Monday, I addressed this Honourable House, sharing the emotional journey to France to bring Newfoundland and Labrador’s son home.

Speaker, while overseas, I found myself reflecting on the sheer magnitude of the experience. I found myself wishing that we could do more to ensure that the sacrifices made on the battlefields of Northern France and Belgium over 100 years ago are never forgotten.

Each year, more than 30 students participate in the Trail of the Caribou Pilgrimage, a partnership between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Royal Canadian Legion – Newfoundland and Labrador Command and the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes remembrance ceremonies at the five caribou monuments in Northern France and Belgium, including the July 1 ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.

Speaker, I am proud to say that, beginning in 2025, we intend to expand the program to allow 100 Newfoundland and Labrador students to travel overseas for this life-changing experience.

And so, Speaker, we will, indeed, do more. We will do our best to ensure they are not forgotten. That their names continue to be spoken and their memories honoured.

Lest we forget.